Exercise device with elastic resistance

ABSTRACT

Exercise system comprised of plurality of modular components enabling numerous types of exercises. Resistive force provided by durable elastomeric tubing that is quickly connectable to and disconnectable from more rigid components.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to physical conditioning and/orrehabilitation devices, and more particularly to devices includingelastic and rigid components and exhibiting selectable resistive forcesand secure mechanical links between the elastic and rigid components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

More people engage in exercising as a leisure activity than any othertype of activity. Portable exercise devices have become more popularbecause they are generally inexpensive to manufacture and are readilytransportable so that a regular program of physical fitness can bemaintained.

One simple portable exercise device consists of a bar with a singleelastic member three or four feet long and extending between the twoends so that a person could hold the bar and push down on the rope withhis feet. A variation of this device consists of an elastic rope withtwo handles at the ends of the rope replacing the bar.

The resistance this type of device is able to provide is variable onlyby extending the body part being exercised through, and perhaps beyond,what may be the desired range of motion. For example, the resistiveforce that an elastic cord provides through a fixed range of motion ispredetermined. Such devices eventually fail to challenge a user as theuser's strength increases. Materials such as solid rubber may provide somuch resistance that that they become difficult to stretch through thedesired range of motion, and thus are not adaptable for use by a widevariety of users with different strengths and needs for exercise. Otherexercise devices enable an adjustable level of resistance, but typicallyare associated with a commensurate increase in cost and complexity. Suchdevices may also require electrical power and occupy additional space.Moreover, the devices may also require electrical power and arehazardous.

Another potential problem associated with this device is that it isdifficult to eliminate the danger of injury from a handle that hasbroken off from the elastic rope during use. In particular, difficultyexists in existing exercise devices in coupling the elastic member tothe handles. In many of these types of devices, the mechanical linksbetween the elastic member and the handles are subjected to a great dealof tensile force, which may be applied to the elastic member where itdirectly contacts the handles.

Thus, it is desirable to have an exercise device that is easilyreconfigurable to enable different exercises and/or a selection ofresistive force.

It is further desirable to reduce the likelihood of injury mentionedabove by minimizing the possibility of failure of the mechanical linkbetween the elastic member and more rigid components through a moresecure connection than previously employed in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is madeto the accompanying drawing and detailed description. The scope of thepresent invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.

The present invention provides an exercise system that is portable,light-weight, and comprised of a number of components that are easilyreconfigured to allow a user to perform a wide variety of exercises.Most configurations described below employ elastomeric tubing preferablybetween {fraction (1/16)}″ and ¼″ in width to provide resistive forceduring exercise motions, and preferably latex due to latex's highdurability and elastic qualities. The descriptions below referring to“latex” tubing are not, therefore, intended to include other elastomericmaterials.

As used herein, the terms limb-engaging and body-part-engaging refer toportion of the exercise system's components that come into contact withthe user. A limb-engaging component, for example, refers to bars thatmay be gripped, plates that may be stood upon, stirrups into which auser's feet may be inserted, and so on. The term body-part engaging isslightly broader, in that it may also refer to the several pads providedby the invention that are intended to, for example, hook over the user'sshoulder, or wrap around the user's back, etc. Several of the padembodiments are equipped with sleeves, i.e. one or more channelspreferably formed of fabric that is interwoven or otherwise attached toone of the pads and through which an adjustable strap is placed. Theterm terminator is used to refer to end connector part of, for instance,either a strap or a more rigid (e.g., metal) connection component, suchas an eye loop or carabiner. In the several embodiments of theinvention, strap terminators can be metal connectors such as rings, butmay equally be comprised of fabrics.

In one aspect described below, the invention provides a novel connectionconfiguration employing an arrangement of cylindrical bushings,elastomer tubing (preferably latex), and a threaded member. Theconnection provides a very secure attachment between the tube and themetal parts that decrease the risk of disconnection and/or breakagepresent in some existing exercise systems. The threaded member may alsoinclude at one end a quick connector that allows modular components ofthe exercise system to be rapidly reconfigured without the use of pinsor knots or the like.

In another aspect, the present invention provides elastomer tubingassemblies incorporating the connection configuration discussed above,and preferably the quick connector. The preferably latex tubingassemblies are used to provide a resistive force selectable by the userby choosing the tubing width and lengths to use in the exercise, as wellas the number of latex tube assemblies to use. The latex tubingassemblies span are connected to rigid bars on one end, and then thelimb or body part engaging components, such as shoulder and back pads,foot plates and stirrups, etc. The present invention provides a numberof means for adjusting the distance between the bar and modularcomponents, beyond the selection of a latex tubing assembly of the exactdistance desired. The rigid bar may be short, such as for exercisesintended to use a single hand, or longer for two hands. In someembodiments, the bar is comprised of a central segment to which handleextensions may be added on each side of the central segment.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a configuration usingthe latex tubing to span two handle portions that are securely connectedto the tube, thereby allowing an exercise motion involving pulling thehandles in opposite directions.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a configuration ofthe exercise system using the back pad and a padded plate from whichextends a guide rod and spring to present an abdominal exercise optionto the user. As with each configuration of the exercise system, variousconnection, length and resistive force adjustments are available to theuser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The advantages of the present invention will be apparent in thefollowing detailed description of the illustrative embodiments thereof,which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawing,wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1F are side, cross-sectional and exploded view schematicillustrations of an eye-loop embodiment of a latex tubing connectorportion of an exercise system in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-2B are schematic illustrations of embodiments of carabiner-typeconnectors disposed at the end of a threaded connector;

FIGS. 2C-2D are schematic illustrations of embodiments of carabiner-typeconnectors disposed at the end of a connector for use with a buckle;

FIGS. 3A-3C are schematic illustrations of embodiments of carabiner-typeconnectors disposed at the end of a threaded connector;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a foot plate having a hook and theconnected ends of several latex tubing assemblies;

FIG. 5A-5B are schematic illustrations of a “bench press” configurationof the exercise system, equipped with an inelastic adjustment strap;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a preferred configuration of theexercise system employing multiple latex tube assemblies;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a back pad including ring-type terminatorsenabling distance adjustments between the pad and the rigid bar to whichit will be connected via a latex tubing assembly;

FIGS. 8A-8B are schematic illustrations of a multi-segment embodiment ofa rigid bar;

FIGS. 9A-9B are a schematic illustrations of an abdominal crunchconfiguration of the exercise system;

FIGS. 10A-10C are schematic illustrations of “curl-type” configurationsof the exercise system;

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of another curl-type configuration,wherein the foot plate is replaced by a pair of foot stirrups;

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a single-foot/single-armcurl-type configuration of the exercise system;

FIGS. 13A-B are schematic illustrations of the use of the short bar in aconfiguration allowing shoulder exercises such as dips;

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a two handle embodiment of theexercise system provided by the present invention; and

FIGS. 15A-B are schematic illustrations of two ends of a two handledexercise configuration of the exercise system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be describedwith reference to the several figures of the drawing.

FIG. 1A shows a connector portion of an exercise system in accordancewith the present invention. Illustrated are elastic tubing 1, preferablyof pure latex, of ⅛″ wall thickness that provides resistive force to aperson using the system, a eye-bolt 2 having a thread portion 4 that isto be threaded through a smaller threaded bushing 6 and a largerthreaded bushing 8. With reference to FIG. 4, one or more eye-bolts 2may be slid onto a hook 10 in order to connect an elastic tube assemblyto an engaging member 9 that is intended to engage a portion of theuser's body, such as the hands or feet, in order to provide a counteringforce during the exercise.

FIG. 1B shows an assembled connector portion, and FIG. 1D illustrates anelastic tube assembly 12 having an eye-bolt disposed at each end. FIG.1C illustrates a cross section of the assembled connector portionreflecting a configuration that very securely fastens the elastic tube 1to the eye-bolt 2. The end 3 of the elastic tube 1 is folded inward orinvoluted to create a smaller inner diameter against which the smallerbushing 6 is pressed. When a stress is applied (i.e., during an exercisemotion), the doubled-back end 3 pulls against the annular shoulder 14formed by the difference between the respective diameters of theadjacent smaller bushing 6 and larger bushing 8. Eye-bolt 2 is threadedthrough the bushings 6,8 in order to engage them, with an optional nut15 preventing rotation of the eye-bolt 2. Alternative embodiments arealso envisioned in which the larger bushing 8 has a circumferentialextension defining a cup (not shown), wherein the tubing is foldedinward over the extension, thereby providing a reinforced “cup”comprised of the folded tubing end and the extension and into which thesmaller bushing 6 is secured. The bushings are dimensioned to correspondto various size elastic tubing that may be employed in the system, butfor the purpose of providing an example a larger bushing may have a 1″outer diameter and 1″ length, while a corresponding smaller bushingcould have an outer diameter of ¾″ and a comparable or slightly shorterlength.

FIGS. 1E and 1F illustrate two other configurations of the assembledconnector portions. In the first, a single threaded bushing 6 isconnected to an eye-bolt 2 (which alternatively could be a quickconnector as described below.) Bushing 6 is has an outer diameter thatapproximates the inner diameter 7 of the elastomeric tubing 1. Thisprovides a sufficient mechanical connection between the tubing and thebushing, especially when using tubing having lower inner diameters, forexample, in the range of ¼″. The tubing is represented in twoalternative embodiments, one in which the tubing is involuted and one inwhich it is not.

FIGS. 2A-B and 3A-C show threaded connectors 16 that are used inpreferred embodiments of the system rather than eye-bolts. Thesecarabiner-type connectors reduce the possibility of disconnection of theelastic tube assembly from a hook. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, thepreferred connectors 16, referred to by the inventors as Quadrilinks,are comprised of a thread portion 4, a solid hook portion 18 preferablycast as a single piece including the thread portion, and a spring loadedarm 20 that moves about a pivot point 22 with respect to the hookportion 18. FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate another embodiment of the threadedconnector 16 and the process for attaching the connector to some otherattachment of the exercise system. The other attachment is representedin FIG. 3C as component 24, and could be a portion of an exercise bar indirect-connection configurations. Component 24 could alternatively beeye loops or hooks, for example, connection to chains or other means tolengthen the total length between two opposed ends of the exercisesystem (as discussed below.) The pivoting motion of arm 20 with respectto the hook portion 18 is controlled by the user and a spring 26 thatforces the arm 20 back into a closed position (as shown in FIG. 3A) butenables the arm to be pivotably moved by the user to an open position(as in FIGS. 3B-C) to enable connection of the threaded connector 16 tothe component 24.

In the normally closed position, the non-pivoting end 28 of arm 20 ispreferably received by a notch or groove in the end 30 of the hookportion 18. The hook portion 18 and arm 20 are dimensioned so as toallow a sufficient opening 32 for component 24 to be received, as wellas to allow arm 20 to return to the closed position without hindrancefrom the received component 24. The threaded connectors, like several ofthe other parts of the system, are constructed preferably of a durablemetal material, but are not intended to be limited thereto. Thethicknesses of the hook portion 18 and arm 20 must be sufficient toprovide strength, but preferably are of a thickness that allow multipleconnectors to be attached to a single eye loop, for example, in thoseembodiments where multiple elastic tube assemblies are used by a user inparallel to achieve greater resistive force for an exercise. The figuresdemonstrate that there is some design flexibility in the overall shape(e.g., circular, oval) of the hook and arm assembly, as well as in theexact location of the pivot 22.

FIGS. 2C-D illustrate alternative connectors 34 that may be used inother embodiments. Connectors 34 include similar locking mechanisms, butmay have a much shorter threaded portion and locking nut 38, oralternatively a pin or bolt, for connecting the hook portion 18 to abuckle 36 for receiving an exercise strap (not shown.)

The light weight tubing employed in the system is preferably composed ofan elastomer providing tensile resilience according to the parametersexemplified below provided by pure natural rubber latex, commonly knownas “latex”. The inventors have conducted numerous experiments toapproximate the equivalent force that can be achieved by using tubes ofvarious dimensions and stretch distances. The values presented in TableOne below are just a sampling of equivalent forces attainable using a ⅛″thick tubing and are meant in no way to be limiting; the ability exists(e.g., by varying the tube lengths and thicknesses and/or numbers oftubes used) for the exercise system of the present invention to providehundreds of pounds of resistive force. TABLE One Equivalent ExerciseTube Dimensions Stretch Distance Force (lbs.) Press ¼″ i.d. × 7.75″ long18″ (four tunes)  80 lbs Press ⅜″ i.d. × 7.75″ long 18″ (four tubes) 160lbs Press ½″ i.d. × 9.5″ long 18″ (four tubes) 165 lbs Press ¾″ i.d. ×9″ long 18″ (one tube) 200 lbs Dip ¼″ i.d. × 7.75″ long 16.5″ (fourtubes)  80 lbs. Dip ⅜″ i.d. × 8.75″ long 16.5″ (four tubes) 110 lbs Dip½″ i.d. × 11″ long 16.5″ (four tubes) 140 lbs Dip ¾″ i.d. × 16.5″ long16.5″ (four tubes) 170 lbs Curl ¼″ i.d. × 17.5″ long 36.5 (two tubes) 26 lbs. Curl ⅜″ i.d. × 17.5″ long 38.5″ (two tubes)  40 lbs Curl ½″i.d. × 18″ long 38.5″ (two tubes)  50 lbs Curl ¾″ i.d. × 16″ long 38.5″(two tubes)  65 lbs Dead Lift ¾″ i.d. × 9″ long 12″ (two tubes)  80 lbsLeg Extension ¾″ × 9″ long 6″ (two tubes)  40 lbs Overhead Curl ¾″ ×19.5″ 24″ (one tube)  50 lbs Sh. Shrugs ¾″ × 9″ long 14″ four tubes) 160lbs Flies ½″ i.d. × 20″ long 20″ (one tube)  40 lbs Ab Crunch Spring{fraction (15/16)}″ × 6″ 2.75″ 100 lbs

A person committed to an exercise routine will progress in theirphysical abilities and will most likely wish to incrementally increasethe resistive force encountered during each exercise to challengethemselves anew. Unlike typical portable exercise equipment, whichemploy expanding materials that lose their elasticity and becomeelongated, latex resists such deformation. Increasing the number ofrepetitions is the only choice for many users of such typical portableexercise equipment. The present system, however, allows a user toincrementally increase the resistive forces encountered in a number ofways. For example, a user could simply select a tube of differentdimensions than the tube found no longer challenging to the user.Alternatively, the user could use multiple tubes (as described below.)

FIG. 5A shows a configuration of the exercise system that allows a userto perform “bench press” exercises. A cushioned back pad 40 is providedin which one tube assembly 12 or two tube assemblies (each having an endterminating within the back pad and not shown) may be secured in anenvelope open at the longitudinal ends and defined by a lateral flap 42permanently secured to the main body of the pad 40 along one length ofthe flap and releasably secured at the other length for example byVelcro fasteners, hooks, buttons. In an alternative embodiment shown inFIG. 5B, a longitudinally inelastic strap 44 is strung through orintegral to back pad 40 (which optionally may have the lateral flap 42)to which up to three tube assemblies 12 (only one shown) may be attachedto each strap terminator 46, which are shown as metallic ringsinterwoven or otherwise fastened to the strap, but could be anymechanism for securely connecting tube assembly ends 54 to the strap 44.

Each end 48 of each tube assembly 12 not connected to the strap 44 arepreferably connected, via one of the connectors described above, to acorresponding plate 50 whose axially position along bar 52 has beenpreviously fixed. Each plate 50 includes a plurality of holes 51 toaccommodate use of a plurality of tube assemblies 12. Alternatively,those ends 48 could be connected directly to the bar 52. The plates 50may have a rectangular shape, or may be esthetically contoured, such asshown in FIG. 7.

Several mechanisms are available for adjusting the distance between theback pad 40 and bar 52 to accommodate various user sizes, whilemaintaining the ability to use the same tube assembly or assemblies.First, a number of chain links may be connected between each end 48 andeach plate 50, or similarly connected between tube assembly ends 54 andthe strap terminators 46. In a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG.6 and employing multiple tube assemblies, the distance adjustment iseffected by using a strap 44 that includes at least two terminators 19disposed one on each end, and optionally a plurality of additionalterminators 19′ at various positions along the strap 44 and similarlyinterwoven or otherwise fastened to the strap. Some embodiments alsooptionally include a buckle 56 by which the strap length may beshortened, but preferably the terminators 19, 19′ are interwoven. Toobtain the proper distance adjustment, a user simply needs to connectthe tube assembly ends 54 to a selected set of terminators 19,19′ toattain the desired distance between the back pad 40 and bar 52. A pairof belt loops 45 are attached at opposing ends of the strap 44 forguiding and constraining the lateral motion of tube assemblies connectedto the terminators. Suggested dimensions of the strap include a widthbetween 6″ and 8″ and a length between 2′ and 3′, but such dimensionsare understandably user-dependent.

The back pad includes sufficient padding (e.g., 1″ thick foam) forcomfortable exercise, but is also layered to include a pouch region ofsufficient size (e.g., two feet in length) to include all of theindividual components of the exercise system.

FIG. 8A illustrates the bar 52 (without plates 50), which is comprisedof a steel core or shaft 60 about which are disposed an optional knurledaluminum center segment 62 and two optional, removable handle extensions64 for performing wide armed bench presses. Plates 52 (not shown) arepositioned at corresponding locations 68 on each side of the centersegment 62 and axially constrained by conventional O-rings 66. Eachhandle extension 64 is secured by a corresponding bar retention pin 70that traverses a channel formed through each handle extensions 64 and acorresponding portion of the steel shaft 60. FIG. 8B presents anotherview of the bar 52, here equipped with plates 50 (the internal shaft isnot shown in this figure.) Bore hole 61 is illustrated as positionedequidistant from the ends of center segment 62. Center segment 62 may beused independent of the handle extensions in configurations of theexercise system enabling abdominal exercises, as described below andwith reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B. The bar is dimensioned to allow easybut secure gripping, for example, with an outer diameter ofapproximately 1½″.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate use of components of the exercise system forabdominal exercise. FIG. 9A shows a configuration employing the sameback pad 40 and longitudinally inelastic strap 44 adjustably secured toa frame 72 attached to a cushioned block 74 through a spring 76 andguide rod 78. The abdomen is exercised by engaging block 74 and pushingoutward against the spring 76, which is coiled around guide rod 78 andwhich compresses between block 74 and frame 72. Knurled handles 80attached to the frame 72 are provided to aid in the positioning of theapparatus. FIG. 9B illustrates an alternative embodiment (back strap notshown) that includes a cushioned block 74, spring 76 and guide rod 78.One end of the spring terminates at block 74 and the other end at arecess 67 in bar 63. One end of the guide rod 78 extends through borehole 61 in bar 63 and is threaded to receive threaded nut 79. Althoughbar 63 is depicted as including a pair of hooks 65 to which the back padmay be connected, bar 63 may comprise the central segment 62 (as shownin FIGS. 8A and 8B) allowing connection of the back pad to plates 50disposed at each each of the central segment. For exemplary purposesonly, the following dimensions are provided for the components in thisabdominal exercise configurations: the block 74 is 4″ wide and 5″ long,and includes a ½″ thick aluminum portion and a 1½″ thick foam cushionportion; the guide rod is comprised of a ⅝″ diameter and 9″ long steelshaft; and the distance between the block 74 and the frame (i.e., eitheranother block or the bored bar) is approximately 7″.

With reference to FIGS. 10A-B, the system may be configured to performbicep and/or tricep curl exercises. Each of a pair of elastic tubingassemblies 12 selected to provide the desired resistive force areconnected at one end 48 to the bar 52 and to a foot plate 82 through alinking component 84 at their respective other end 54. The user may thengrip the bar 52 while standing on the foot plate 82 and raise the bar toperform the exercise. Numerous variations and adjustments are possible.For example, as described above, multiple pairs of tube assemblies 12may be used to arrive at the desired resistive force, and inelasticchain or cable segments may be inserted between the connections 48-52and 54-84 to adjust the distance between bar 52 and foot plate 82. Also,the connections to the bar and foot plate may employ the threaded quickconnectors 16 described above, thus obviating the need for open hookssuch as linking component 84 of FIGS. 10A-C, or the latches 86 shownconnecting the upper ends 48 of the elastic tubing assemblies 12 to thebar 52. Bar 52 may optionally include stabilizer rings 88 to constrainthe axial movement of the tube assembly connections axially along thebar, or may simply rely on the knurled center segment 62 and handles 64to constrain said motion.

In another embodiment enabling curl-type exercises, illustrated in FIG.11, the foot plate may be replaced by a pair of foot stirrups 90including an adjustable buckle 94 and a connector ring 94. Connectorring 94 can be quickly connected and disconnected from a elastic tubingassembly 12 through use of a quick connector 16. Foot stirrups may bepreferable to foot plates in that it may be less likely that a user'sfoot will slip out of a stirrup than it is likely that the user's footmay shift during the exercise causing at least part of the foot plate tolift up perhaps quickly. FIG. 12 shows an embodiment in which a singlefoot stirrup 90 is connected, via a pair of tubing assemblies 12, to ashort bar 96. This allows curl-type exercises concentrating on one armat a time.

FIGS. 13A-B illustrate the use of the short bar 96 in a configurationallowing shoulder exercises such as dips. Connections between one ormore elastic tubing assemblies 12 and the short bar 96 preferably employthe quick connectors 16 described above, but may alternatively useeye-bolts 2 through which is threaded a connecting bolt 98 that isreceived by a threaded recess 100 in the short bar 96. A shoulderharness 102 and strap (not shown) comparable to the back pad and strapdescribed above are preferably employed to make user-specific lengthadjustments, but introduction of inelastic extenders such as chain linksmay also be employed.

FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of the exercise system providedby the present invention. In this configuration, an elastic rubber tube104 is threaded through bores 108 of a pair of handles 106. The exteriorsurfaces of the handles 106 are preferably knurled for easier gripping.The bores 108 have a diameter approximating the outer diameter ofsection 110 b of the rubber tube 104, which preferably is comprised of acenter segment 110 a having a outer diameter greater than the diameterof the bores 108, two bore segments 110 b having a smaller outerdiameter than the outer diameter of the center segment 110 a, and a pairof plug segments 110 c having a larger inner diameter than the diameterof the bore segments for securing the rubber tube to the handles 106. Amechanism for securing the rubber tube 104 to the handles 106 will nowbe described. Each handle has a recess 112 on one end of a diametergreater than the diameter of the bore 108. Dimensions providedhereinafter are in no way meant to be limiting. The bores 108 may be ⅝″in diameter and the handles 106 may have diameters of approximately 1½″.The recess may be about ⅞″ in diameter, thereby forming a ¼″ annularridge 114. The annular ridge 114 provides a surface against which aportion of the plug segment 110 c of the tube 104 will be tightly heldby plug 116, which in this particular embodiment has a ¾″ outerdiameter. Plug 116 has an outer diameter greater than the diameter ofthe bore 108 but just less than the inner diameter of the plug segment110 c of the rubber tube. Inserting the plug snugly within the plugsegment of tubing and then against the annular ridge 114 precludes thetube from slipping out from the handle. The plug can be further securedby other means, such as additional tightly fitting or threaded bushings(not shown), but the inventors' experience shows that the mechanismdepicted is sufficient to preclude tube slippage.

A variety of exercises beyond those specifically described with respectto particular configurations are possible. For example:

-   -   shoulder pull-ups—a user can stand with one hand grasping the        handle (short bar) attached to a tube assembly and foot stirrup,        then pull up and out away from the body until the arm is fully        extended and slowly return to the starting position;    -   shoulder shrugs—standing with each hand grasping the short bar        handle attached to the tube and foot stirrup, a user then can        slowly pull up on the handles by raising his shoulders only;    -   upright rows—grasping the middle of the bar 6-10″ apart with and        overhand grip and standing upright with the bar resting on the        thighs, a user can lift the bar towards his chin by bending the        elbows;    -   front raises—standing and grasping the bar 6-10″ apart with an        overhand grip and keeping the arms straight, the user can then        raise the bar until it reaches eye level;    -   military presses—putting a stirrup under the arch of each foot        and stand with his feet shoulder width apart, a user can then        grasp the handles on the bar with palms facing out and raise it        to chest level, then push the bar upward until his arms are        fully extended; and    -   bent-over bar rows—a user can bend his knees, arch his back,        lift his head up, grasp the handles on the bar with an overhand        grip and pull it toward his abdomen.

While the foregoing specification has been described with regard tocertain preferred embodiments, and many details have been set forth forthe purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in theart, that without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention,the invention may be subject to various modifications and additionalembodiments, and that certain of the details described herein can bevaried considerably without departing from the basic principles of theinvention. Such modifications and additional embodiments are alsointended to fall within the scope and spirit of the invention appendedclaims.

1. An exercise system, comprising: a rigid bar having two ends and acentral segment extending therebetween; a body-part-engaging componenthaving one or more hooks or rings; and two or more elastomeric tubeassemblies each connected via threaded elongate members on one end tothe hook or ring, and on their respective other ends to the bar, suchthat displacement of the rigid bar with respect to thebody-part-engaging assembly stretches the elastomeric tube assemblies toprovide resistive force.
 2. An exercise system, comprising: a rigid barhaving two ends and a central segment extending therebetween; abody-part-engaging component having one or more hooks or rings; and aelastomeric tube assembly having two ends, each end connected viathreaded elongate members to the rigid bar and traversing a sleeveaffixed to a non-engaging surface of a pad also having a surface adaptedto engage a body part of a user, such that displacement of the rigid barwith respect to the body-part-engaging component stretches theelastomeric tube assembly to provide resistive force.
 3. The exercisesystem of claims 1 or 2, wherein the body part engaging componentcomprises a rigid plate including a hook or ring centrally located uponone surface thereof, said surface of sufficient size to accommodate aportion of a foot on each side of the hook or ring.
 4. The exercisesystem of claim 3, wherein the component further comprises a pair offoot stirrups attached to the plate on each side of the hook or ring. 5.The exercise system of claims 1 or 2, wherein the means for connectingthe threaded elongate members to the rigid bar comprise a pair ofcarabiner-like terminators disposed at the non-threaded end of each ofthe elongate members.
 6. The exercise system of claim 5, wherein thecarabiner-like terminators are directly hooked around the circumferenceof the rigid bar.
 7. The exercise system of claim 5, wherein eachcarabiner-like terminator is hooked to one of a pair of ringspermanently affixed to the rigid bar.
 8. The exercise system of claim 5,wherein each carabiner-like terminator is hooked to one of a pair ofrings permanently affixed around the rigid bar.
 9. The exercise systemof claims 1 or 2, wherein the rigid bar further comprises one or moremeans for precluding motion along the bar of the respective connectedends of the elastomeric tube assemblies.
 10. The exercise system ofclaim 9, wherein the one or more motion precluding means comprises apair of plates disposed about the bar, each having one or more holes toaccommodate one or more connections to the elastomeric tube assemblies.11. The exercise system of claim 9, wherein the one or more motionprecluding means comprise pairs of non-moving flanges disposed about therigid bar.
 12. The exercise system of claims 1 or 2, wherein the meansfor connecting the threaded elongate members to the rigid bar comprise apair of carabiners disposed about the rigid bar for hooking eye loopdisposed at the non-threaded end of each of the elongate members. 13.The exercise system of claims 1 or 2, wherein the body part engagingcomponent comprises a harness including a pad having a surface forengaging a body part and a non-engaging surface, and means for adjustingthe distance between the pad and the rigid bar.
 14. The exercise systemof claim 13, wherein the distance adjusting means comprises: a sleevespanning the non-engaging surface of the pad; and a strap disposedwithin the sleeve having a plurality of spaced-apart terminatorsfastened thereto for connection to one of the ends of the elastomerictube assemblies.
 15. The exercise system of claim 14, wherein thedistance adjusting means further comprises a buckle mechanism foradjusting the length of the strap.
 16. The exercise system of claim 14,wherein the sleeve is defined by a Velcro flap when affixed to thenon-engaging surface of the pad.
 17. The exercise system of claim 13,wherein the harness further comprises a pouch large enough to carry eachcomponent of the exercise system.
 18. The exercise system of claims 1 or2, wherein the body-part-engaging component comprises one or more footstirrups.
 19. The exercise system of claim 18, wherein each foot stirrupincludes a band of adjustable length.
 20. The exercise system of claim18, wherein: the rigid bar is of a length sufficient for gripping by onehand; the one or more foot stirrups comprises a single stirrup; and thetwo or more elastomeric tube assemblies are each attached to the singlestirrup.
 21. The exercise system of claims 1 or 2, wherein eachelastomeric tube assembly comprises: a elastomeric tube of predeterminedwidth having a first end and a second end; at each of said elastomerictube ends, a first cylindrical bushing having a threaded bore and anouter diameter dimensions so as to allow tight insertion into. theelastomeric tube, a coaxially positioned second cylindrical bushinghaving a threaded bore of the same diameter as the threaded bore of thefirst bushing and an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter ofthe first bushing by an amount approximating the width of theelastomeric tube, thereby defining an annular ridge, a threaded elongatemember for securing said first bushing adjacent said second bushing, anda means for connecting the threaded elongate member to a modularcomponent of the exercise system, wherein the second bushing fitstightly within an involuted portion of said first or second end of theelastomeric tube and the annular ridge serves to preclude axial motionof the tube with respect to the first and second bushings.
 22. Theexercise system of claim 21, further comprising: one or more threadednuts disposed about each threaded elongate member for locking therelative positions of the first and second bushings at each of therespective ends of the elastomeric tube.
 23. The exercise system ofclaims 1 or 2, wherein each elastomeric tube assembly comprises: aelastomeric tube of predetermined width having a first end and a secondend; at each of said elastomeric tube ends, a cylindrical bushing havinga threaded bore and an outer diameter dimensioned so as to allow tightinsertion into the elastomeric tube, and a threaded elongate memberscrewable into the cylindrical bushing, wherein the cylindrical bushingfits tightly within an end portion of the tube.
 24. The exercise systemof claim 23, wherein the end portion of the tube is involuted.